Friends and family..

it's already June 12th and training is going fantastic! Lot's of 5am alarms, sweat, I-pod playlists, and even some tears; Tears of happiness, tears of hope, and tears of accomplishment. I am incredibly proud of how far I have come thus far. I have my first ever race on Sunday, July 19th (father’s day). It is the Chicago Rock 'N Roll 5k. (3.1miles).This race has live bands throughout the course for runners and spectators. It's really neat! Hopefully this 5k will seem like a piece of cake after this past week’s 7.5mile group run. (I finished in 66minutes with my TEAM running partner, Karen.)

Then, July 17th I have my first 10k (6.2miles) it is the Fleet Feet women’s 10k. I'm pretty excited! This will be my summer of races, because I also need to add a half marathon in the mix... because after MUCH convincing from my coaches, mentors, and my TEAM running partner, Karen, I have officially switched from the Chicago Half Marathon to the Bank of America Chicago Marathon with TEAM in training. 26.2 miles is certainly a beast to say the least, but with the support from my family, friends, and TEAMmates, I know I can do this. I'm taking the plunge. From my first ever race (5k) to my first ever marathon, this will be a summer to remember.

I have not yet met my fundraising minimum. Please forward this to any friends and family who may be interested. The more money LLS raises, the closer we get to a cure.

Thanks again for your support!

GO TEAM!

XoXo, Jacqueline

I(Karen, Me, and our mentor, Elizabeth)

Welcome!

As if working full time, going to school, and trying to maintain a social life wasn't enough, I'm signed up with TEAM in training again! If you haven't heard-- I'm training to run in the Chicago Half Marathon, September 11, 2011 as a member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Team In Training. All of us on Team In Training are raising funds to help stop leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma from taking more lives. I am running for a cause.- to honor all individuals who are battling blood cancers. I need your support to cross the ultimate finish line - a cure!

Please consider making a donation to support my participation in Team In Training to help advance LLS's mission. ANY donation is greatly appreciated! I challenge you to pass up your 4$ latte, fast food lunch, or magazine one time, or even for a week and donate to this wonderful cause to help me reach my goal. No donation is too small.

Be sure to check back frequently to see my progress. If you are looking for true entertainment, check out my blog: http://jaxrace.blogspot.com where I will be sharing each amazing, inspirational, and humorous moment of training along the way.

Thanks in advance for your support!

XoXo,

Jackie Petzel

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